Malibu "Mini X"Hot

May 16, 2013

3.4

4.1 (8)

218451301

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Kayak Make & Model

Brand:

Malibu

Model:

Mini X

MSRP ($):

569.00

Length (ft):

9.5

Great things come in small packages; the Malibu Kayaks “Mini-X
” has the comfort kayak fishermen have to expect from Malibu and the capability to tackle all that you throw at it. The Mini X is extremely agile and lightweight at only 48lbs which makes car topping and handling that the takeout and put in a breeze. Featuring spacious dry seating, center hatch with removable bag, a large multi-purpose tank well, multiple footrests, cup holder and carry handles.

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Editor review

Capable Little Kayak

I was lucky enough to borrow a Malibu Mini X for over a year from the owner of Kayak Fishing Radio Chip Gibson. Used in specific situations the Mini X excels, but I wouldn't recommend it if you fish large bodies of water frequently. The Malibu Mini X has many great features but is by no means a good “all around kayak”.

Let’s start with what I like about the Malibu Mini X

Light weight – The Malibu Mini X comes in at 48lbs, the one I had with seat and some rod holders was 57lbs. This is EXTREMELY light, especially when you are used to lugging 90-120lb kayaks around.

Stable – This kayak is very stable for something that is a little over 9 feet long.

Turnable (is that even a word?) – Maneuverability is one of the key assets of the Mini X; this shouldn’t be much of a surprise as the kayak is quite “short and stout”.

So what didn't I like

Fit and finish – I felt the overall fit and finish of the Mini X could be better. The seal on the center hatch never really fit flush. The handles felt cheap, I can see these having to be replaced after a few years. The anchor points for the seat are just glued in.

Comfort – The seat pan dips down significantly making you feel like you are sitting in a hole, your legs will go numb.

Tracking – I know the Mini X wasn't designed as a touring kayak but never the less it is an issue should you want to paddle any distance.

Bottom line, I think the Malibu Mini X could be a great kayak for someone looking for a fishing kayak that will be used on rivers, creeks, and small ponds. Its light weight and maneuverability make it a great kayak for these situations. If you are looking for something well rounded that you can use on larger lakes, or on the salt; look for other options.

Good kayak

My friends have this kayak and is a pretty good all around kayak. I have been out on 1 to two hour trips on this multiple times. I am easily able to throw a castnet off of this kayak. It is not the fastest kayak but it has good speed and isn't a chore over long distances

Pros & Cons

The Best Small Fishing Kayak Made

I have had my Mini X for 6 years now and it is nothing short of amazing. I'm on a serious budget (less than $750 completely rigged), and I catch just as many fish as the guys with the Hobie's and the other more premium kayaks out on Lake Michigan. Don't be fooled by the small size, it will handle the big waters of the Great Lakes if you are smart and know what you are doing. To this day I have never tipped it over and I've had it in 4ft swells and class III whitewater in Utah. It is also one of the only kayaks you can get that comes with 4 rod holders from the factory. Two of which are positioned in front of you which is the best for trolling. No need to drill holes to mount aftermarket rod holders!

Everything you pack is within arms reach from a sitting position too which is a big advantage. It's also so light that it easily can be put on a car top with one person. But for being so light it has a high weight capacity. I have stuffed the inside with camping gear and did a week in the Boundary Waters. It even has a depression in the rear cargo area to perfectly fit a 5 gallon bucket! Genius!

I honestly don't know why anyone would need a larger kayak, unless you plan to put on some serious daily miles. Like I said 6 years of ownership and it still does everything I want it to. It is slow, and doesn't track very well, which is expected from a short stubby kayak. But that's really the only thing bad I have to say.

Nice work Malibu, and thanks for making such a great little fishing kayak for us without big budgets or trucks!

Mini X

I bought tow from a guy in Jacksonville, FL. Think I was actually the third owner. Had a blast with the kayaks. Even an inexperienced kayaker could handle them. I was using them for fishing reds, trout, flounder, etc. They were perfect for the Flats of Jacksonville. Not sure I would feel comfortable off shore with them. But, overall, they were a good product and I would enjoy buying a new one if the chance to fish came back around.

User Info

Waters Fished:

Large Rivers

Small Creeks

Salwater Flats

Saltwater Bays

Used:

31+ trips

Modifications:

Added adjustable pole holder in center.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Easy to transport and carry a distance to creek, water way.

Cons:

Required a fair amount of endurance to paddle any substantial distance as is is definitely not built for speed.

Mini-X

My Mini-x was my very first kayak. It was/is amazing. I had no clue what a good kayak was so took my Mini-X out in the open ocean, Swift Rivers, and Big Lakes. I caught some really nice fish: King Salmon, Halibut, and rockfish.

Then I learned my mini-x was COMPLETELY inappropriate for the type of fishing I was doing...or so I was told. I sure seem to catch a lot of fish with it! Truth be told, everyone was right...in a way. I upgrade to an Hobie Outback and it is MUCH better for the saltwater fisheries I focus on.

But for the year it was my primary kayak, I was impressed. Super Stable and very light weight. Much easier to load and unload. The short length made it ideal for floating rivers or lazily paddling around a lake for trout.

If my fishing was close to the launch but I needed something quick to get out a little further than casting range, I would think of the mini-x as an ideal platform.

A great kayak for Fishing rivers!

This kayak offers exactly what you need for day trips on most rivers, small lakes, and ponds. It is light at 40 pounds, so it is easy to store in the garage and carry to the truck. The center storage offers more room than most kayaks much larger. It tracks well. Wind and waves don't seem to effect it much. I am 5 11, 225 and this little kayak fits me well. I just bought my second one through kayakfishingsupplies.com There are bigger kayaks and some newer brands that cost much more. They also are much heavier. I fish mostly on smaller rivers in Ohio. But I have been on large lakes in Michigan and Canada. Even when the jet ski's or other boats around creating lots of waves I don't feel like this kayak will tip over. It's affordable. I got the Fish N Dive model with extra storage and rod holders, but they also have a basic model that costs under 500.00. If your looking for a great little kayak, the Malibu Mini-x would be a great choice.

User Info

Waters Fished:

Large Rivers

Small Creeks

Large Lakes

Small Ponds

Used:

31+ trips

Modifications:

Anchor Trolly.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Stability, large storage right in front of you, easy to control, easy to carry